Portable sprinkler system

ABSTRACT

A portable sprinkler system for a cooling system is disclosed, the portable sprinkler system includes a fluid source coupled to the sprinkler system, a plurality of spray nozzles fluidly connected by conduit, a solenoid connected in series, a protective cover enclosing the sprinkler system, and an electricity source providing electricity to the system. The sprinkler system may be incorporated into an air conditioner cooling system, the sprinkler system includes a portable sprinkler system coupled to the air conditioner cooling system, the portable sprinkler system having a water source coupled thereto, a plurality of spray nozzles fluidly connected by conduit, a chemical injector for inhibiting mineral build-up, a filter, and a solenoid connected in series. The air conditioner cooling system includes a disconnect unit electrically connected to a transformer. A plurality of shields are coupled to the housing of the air conditioner, the shields arranged to deflect air turbulence.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

There are no previously filed, nor currently any co-pendingapplications, anywhere in the world.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This application discloses claims and embodiments generally related to aportable sprinkler system for a cooling system, and more particularly, asprinkler system coupled to and removable from an air conditioner systemfor supplying a fluid mist to the coils of the air conditioner system.

2. Description of the Related Art

It is desirable enhance the efficiency of air conditioner or coolingsystems. One particular way to increase the efficiency is to lower theheat generated by the system, thereby lowering the energy expended bythe system. Thus, it is advantageous to have an apparatus or devicehaving the elements and features disclosed herein.

Several products and inventions have been proposed in order to achievethese goals. The art discloses apparatuses or devices that cool thecondenser coils by supplying a fluid mist to the coils. However, the artdoes not appear to disclose the combination of elements and featuresdisclosed herein.

This application presents claims and embodiments that fulfill a need orneeds not yet satisfied by the products and inventions previously orpresently available. In particular, the claims and embodiments disclosedherein describe a portable sprinkler system optionally having aprotective, the system and/or cover coupled to an air conditionersystem. The system may also include protective shields for directing thedistribution of the fluid stream onto the coils. This applicationprovides an unanticipated and nonobvious combination of featuresdistinguished from the products and inventions preexisting in the art.The applicant is unaware of any product, disclosure or reference thatdiscloses the features of the claims and embodiments disclosed herein.

A search of the prior art did not disclose any patents that readdirectly on the claims of the instant invention; however, the followingreferences were considered related.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,285,651, issued in the name of Marine;

U.S. Pat. No. 6,658,872 B1, issued in the name of James;

U.S. Pat. No. 6,892,552 B2, issued in the name of Richman et al.;

U.S. Pat. No. 2,278,242, issued in the name of Chapman;

U.S. Pat. No. 5,311,747, issued in the name of Pringle et al.;

U.S. Pat. No. 6,381,980 B1, issued in the name of Pringle;

U.S. Pat. No. 2,450,571, issued in the name of Bahnson;

U.S. Pat. No. 6,253,565 B1, issued in the name of Arledge;

U.S. Pat. No. 6,105,376, issued in the name of Stewart et al.;

U.S. Pat. No. 4,213,306, issued in the name of Peabody et al.;

U.S. Pat. No. 5,643,082, issued in the name of Furukawa; and

U.S. Pat. No. 6,438,977 B1, issued in the name of McKay.

This application presents claims and embodiments that fulfill a need orneeds not yet satisfied by the products, inventions and methodspreviously or presently available. In particular, the claims andembodiments disclosed herein describe a portable sprinkler system for acooling system comprising a fluid source coupled to the sprinklersystem, a plurality of spray nozzles fluidly connected by conduit, asolenoid connected in series, a protective cover enclosing the sprinklersystem, and an electricity source providing electricity to the system,the portable sprinkler system providing unanticipated and nonobviouscombination of features distinguished from the products, inventions andmethods preexisting in the art. The applicant is unaware of any product,method, disclosure or reference that discloses the features of theclaims and embodiments disclosed herein.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one embodiment, a portable sprinkler system for acooling system comprises a fluid source coupled to the sprinkler system,a plurality of spray nozzles fluidly connected by conduit, a solenoidconnected in series, a protective cover enclosing the sprinkler system,and an electricity source providing electricity to the system.

In accordance with this embodiment, the portable sprinkler system mayinclude a chemical injector for treating the fluid.

In accordance with this embodiment, the portable sprinkler system mayinclude a filter for treating the fluid.

In accordance with this embodiment, the portable sprinkler system mayinclude a water tight plug between the electricity source and thesolenoid.

In another embodiment, an air conditioner cooling system comprises aportable sprinkler system coupled to the air conditioner cooling system,the portable sprinkler system comprising a water source coupled to thesprinkler system, a plurality of spray nozzles fluidly connected byconduit, a chemical injector for inhibiting mineral build-up, a filter,and a solenoid connected in series. The air conditioner cooling systemalso includes a disconnect unit electrically connected to a transformer,the transformer electrically coupled to the solenoid, and a plurality ofshields coupled to the housing of the air conditioner, the shieldsarranged to deflect air turbulence.

In accordance with this and other embodiments, the portable sprinklersystem may be removably attachable to air conditioner housing.

In accordance with this and other embodiments, the portable sprinklersystem further comprises a protective cover. The protective cover maycomprise at least one supporting unit for holding at least the conduit.The protective may further comprise a water tight connection between thetransformer and the protective cover.

In accordance with this and other embodiments, the shields protect thespray nozzles and the fluid distributed therefrom.

In accordance with this and other embodiments the transformer comprisesa 120 v to 240 v double insulated transformer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION. OF THE DRAWINGS

The advantages and features of the present invention will become betterunderstood with reference to the following more detailed description andclaims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in whichlike elements are identified with like symbols, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of the system disclosed herein;

FIG. 2 a perspective view of a protective cover incorporated into thesystem;

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a shield, according to the preferredembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2B is a perspective view of a telescopically adjustable shield,according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a nozzle illustrating the securingconnector thereof, and a mechanical fastener, according to oneembodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a mechanical fastener, according to analternate embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Detailed Description of theFigures

Referring now to FIG. 1 through FIG. 3, one embodiment discloseddescribes an air conditioner system having a portable sprinkler system.A cabinet type of air conditioner unit 20 is depicted having a series oflouvered side panels exteriorly protecting a condenser unit and a seriesof condenser coils. The condenser coils are arranged in a serpentinemanner with the coils comprising a continuous flow path for conducting afluid for cooling the unit 20, fluids usually labeled as refrigerants.Common refrigerants include the general chemical class of haloalkanes,and more particularly chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) (e.g. Dupontrefrigerant brand sold under the trademark FREON),hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). At leastone fan blade is utilized to draw ambient air across the coils to aid incooling the system and reducing the heat generated by the unit 20. As ameans to further improve the cooling of the system and reduce heatbuild-up, a fluid mist is sprayed on or near the coils, usually in theform of water.

In accordance with this understanding, and referring now to the figures,an air conditioner cooling system 50 is disclosed generally comprising adisconnect unit 100 electrically connected to a transformer 102, and aportable sprinkler system 200 coupled to the air conditioner coolingsystem 50, and a plurality of shields 300 coupled to the housing of theair conditioner 20 for deflecting air turbulence from the nozzles 204comprising part of the sprinkler system 200. The nozzles 204 eachcomprising a body 204 a from which a nozzle head 205 extends therefromand is in fluid communication therewith. The nozzles 204 each furthercomprising a nozzle head 205 having a nozzle opening 205 a, the nozzlehead 205 is maintained in a desired fixed directional position via asecuring connector 212. The air conditioner cooling system 50 is adaptedfor residential or commercial use.

The disconnect unit 100 for the condenser unit is mounted to the outsideof a structure S, such as a wall of a home or building. The disconnectunit 100 may include a protective box 101 enclosing the unit protectingthe unit from exposure to environmental elements, including a variety ofextreme weather conditions. The disconnect unit 100 and the transformer102 are mutually coupled to one another via sealed electrical coupling.The transformer 102 is a 240 v to 120 v double insulated constructionfused on the primary (PRI) winding of the transformer 102. As will beexplained in greater detail below, the transformer 102 is electricallycoupled to a solenoid 210 that comprises the portable sprinkler system200 disclosed above.

The sprinkler system 200 may comprise a fluid source 202 coupled to thesprinkler system 200, providing water or other appropriate fluiddistributed on or near the coils of the system 50. The sprinkler system200 may also include a plurality of spray nozzles 204 fluidly coupled byconduit 201 to the fluid source 202. A conduit-to-fluid source adapter209 fluidly connects fluid source 202 to conduit 201. Intermediatelydisposed between the fluid source 202 and the nozzles 204 may be achemical injector 206 that may supply a solid or fluid chemicaltreatment for inhibiting mineral build-up within the conduit 201 and/orthe nozzle heads 205 of the nozzles 204. Also intermediately disposedbetween the fluid source 202 and nozzles 204 may be a fluid filter 208for cleaning contaminants from the fluid distributed from the fluidsource 202. The sprinkler system 200 may also include a solenoid 210connected in series for controlling the flow of fluid through the system50. A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFI) 260 is connected betweensolenoid 210 and the transformer 102.

The sprinkler system 200 may also comprise a protective cover 250 thatencloses the various components used in combination for a particularlyconfigured system 50. The cover 250 comprises an upright wall 250 ahaving an upper portion from which a roof 250 b integrally extendsperpendicularly therefrom. The roof 250 b includes a forward edge fromwhich an elongated skirt member 250 c integrally extends perpendicularlytherefrom. The cover 250 may comprise a variety of materials, includingnon-conductive metal, general plastic material, thermoplastic polymerssuch as polypropylene, polyethylene or polystyrene, or other similar andsuitable materials. The cover 250 may include a plurality of supportunits 252 for securing and holding the conduit 201 and/or the variouscomponents of the sprinkler system 200. The support units 252 areenvisioned to inhibit crimping or binding of the conduit 201, reducingthe damage to the conduit 201, and extending the usable life of theconduit 201. In addition, organization of the conduit 201 and theinterconnected components optimizes space allocation and permits thesprinkler system 200 to be compacted into a manageable and portable unitas provided.

The series or combination of nozzles 204 may be mounted in a variety ofpositions, including directly to the cabinet 22 of the air conditionersystem 20, or mounted separately but adjacent to the system 20. Forexample, the series of nozzles 204 may be mounted in the ground or nearthe base of the system 50 for distributing the fluid upward and onto thecoils within the cabinet 22. In such a configuration, the individualnozzles 204 of the series are interconnected by conduit 201, with asecuring connector 212 utilized for maintaining the series in a watermist, discharge-directed, fixed position. As depicted, in but oneenvisioned embodiment, the series of nozzles 204 is arranged so that atleast one single nozzle 204 is directed to one exposed side of the airconditioner system cabinet 22 (in some systems, this may include threeexposed sides or four exposed sides, generally). Each individual nozzle204 is secured directionally in place by a connector or mount 212accommodating the nozzle opening 205 a of the nozzle head 205, so as notto block the egress of the fluid, and further accommodating the use of amechanical fastener 215 (e.g. threaded screw or bolt, stake 216,integral base 217, and/or other similar item) for securing the nozzle204 in a stationary position. Base 217 comprises a plurality ofapertures 218 each adapted to receive a stake 216 therethrough, andwherein stake 216 extends from a respective aperture 218 into theground, and thereby firmly securing nozzle 204 to the ground. Theconnector or mount 212, and therefore the individual nozzle 204, isfirmly secured to the ground or the ground surface (such as a concretepad or other firm surface) by use of the mechanical fastener 215disclosed above. Mechanical fastener 215, according to anotherembodiment, may be in the form of weighted block 220 encased in plastic.A lightweight bracket 222 mounted centrally atop weighted block 220provides attachment means for removably attaching each nozzle 204 to arespective weighted block 220.

It is envisioned that each nozzle 204 is configured, either in a fixedor variable manner, to accommodate and deliver at least one-half gallonof fluid per hour. As noted above, a plurality of shields 300 may beinstalled and/or incorporated into the overall configuration. Eachshield 300 may be mounted or arranged so as to optimize the deflectionof air turbulence that is generated at or near the sprayer nozzles 204.It is envisioned that a plurality of shields 300 may be necessary foreach sprayer nozzle 204 location to further optimize air turbulencedeflection. The shields 300 inhibit the air flow from disturbing thedistribution path of the fluid mist. The shields 300 may be of a varietyof lengths, widths and composed of a variety of materials. For example,and in but one embodiment, the length of the shield 300 is envisioned toextend from the top to the base of the cabinet 22 to fully shield thesprayer nozzle 204 and fluid stream from air disturbance.

In accordance with an another embodiment, each shield 300 comprises aV-shape having an angular measurement of approximately 60°. The shield300 includes a mounting plate 302 having a plurality of holes 304defined therethrough, wherein holes 304 in mounting plate 302 areadapted to align with bolts provided on housing or condenser unit of airconditioner unit 20. According to yet another embodiment, each shield300 may be telescopically adjustable so as to allow for various,selective longitudinal settings thereof.

If optionally provided, the injector 206 may be coupled with the conduit201 line to provide a chemical solid or fluid material for treating thefluid. For example, in a water-based system, one or more chemicaltreatments may be used to inhibit the accumulation of minerals or othertypes of deposits. By treating the fluid, the conduit 201 lines andsprayer nozzles 204 may be maintained for longer periods of time, andmay reduce the physical maintenance required on the line or sprayernozzles 204.

Also, if optionally provided, the filter 208 may be coupled with theconduit 201 line as well to capture any contaminants or particulatesthat may reduce the shelf-life of the line and the sprayer nozzles 204.As important, the filter 208 may extract illness-causing contaminantsfrom entering the air conditioner system. The filter 208 may be of avariety of forms, including charcoal, ultraviolet (UV), infrared (IR),magnetic, ionized or catalytic filters.

It is to be understood that the embodiments and claims are not limitedin its application to the details of construction and arrangement of thecomponents set forth in the description and illustrated in the drawings.Rather, the description and the drawings provide examples of theembodiments envisioned, but the claims are not limited to the specificembodiments. The embodiments and claims disclosed herein are furthercapable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out invarious ways, including various combinations and subcombinations thatmay not have been explicitly disclosed. Also, it is to be understoodthat the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for thepurposes of description and should not be regarded as limiting theclaims.

Accordingly, those skilled in the art will appreciate that theconception upon which the application and claims are based may bereadily utilized as a basis for the design of other structures, methods,and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the embodiments andclaims presented in this application. It is important, therefore, thatthe claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions.

Furthermore, the purpose of the foregoing Abstract is to enable the U.S.Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especiallyincluding the practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patentand legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursoryinspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of theapplication. The Abstract is neither intended to define the claims ofthe application, nor is it intended to be limiting to the scope of theclaims in any way. It is intended that the application is defined by theclaims appended hereto.

Therefore, the foregoing description is included to illustrate theoperation of the preferred embodiment and is not meant to limit thescope of the invention. As one can envision, an individual skilled inthe relevant art, in conjunction with the present teachings, would becapable of incorporating many minor modifications that are anticipatedwithin this disclosure. The foregoing descriptions of specificembodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes ofillustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive orto limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviouslymany modifications and variations are possible in light of the aboveteaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to bestexplain the principles of the invention and its practical application,to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize theinvention and various embodiments with various modifications as aresuited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scopeof the invention be defined by the Claims appended hereto and theirequivalents. Therefore, the scope of the invention is to be broadlylimited only by the following Claims.

1. An air conditioner cooling system comprising: a portable sprinklersystem coupled to an air conditioner cooling system, the portablesprinkler system comprising: a water source coupled to the sprinklersystem; a plurality of spray nozzles fluidly connected by conduit; achemical injector for inhibiting mineral build-up; a filter; a solenoidconnected in series; a disconnect unit electrically connected to atransformer, the transformer electrically coupled to the solenoid; aground fault circuit interrupter electrically connected between thesolenoid and the transformer; and a plurality of shields coupled to thehousing of the air conditioner, the shields arranged to deflect airturbulence.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the portable sprinklersystem is removably attachable to an air conditioner housing.
 3. Thesystem of claim 2, wherein the portable sprinkler system furthercomprises a protective cover.
 4. The system of claim 3, wherein theprotective cover comprises at least one supporting unit for holding atleast the conduit.
 5. The system of claim 4 further comprising a watertight connection between the transformer and the protective cover. 6.The system of claim 1, wherein the shields protect the spray nozzles andinhibit air flow from disturbing a distribution path of a fluiddistributed therefrom.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the transformercomprises a 120 v to 240 v double insulated transformer.
 8. The systemof claim 1, wherein the plurality of spray nozzles are firmly secured tothe ground via a mechanical fastener.
 9. The system of claim 8, whereinthe mechanical fastener comprises a base formed integral to a lower endof each the plurality of spray nozzles, the base comprises a pluralityof apertures each adapted to receive a stake therethrough and the stakeextending therethrough and into the ground, thereby firmly securing eachof the plurality of spray nozzles to the ground.
 10. The system of claim8, wherein the mechanical fastener comprises a weighted block encased inplastic.
 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the weighted blockcomprises a lightweight bracket mounted centrally thereatop, the bracketdefined as an attachment means for removably attaching each theplurality of spray nozzles to a respective weighted block.
 12. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein each the plurality of spray nozzlesaccommodate and deliver at least one-half gallon of fluid per hour. 13.The system of claim 1, wherein the shields each comprises a V-shapehaving an angular measurement of approximately 60°, the shields eachincludes a mounting plate having a plurality of holes definedtherethrough, wherein the holes in the mounting plate align with boltsprovided on housing of the air conditioner cooling system.
 14. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the shields are telescopically adjustable soas to allow for various, selective longitudinal settings thereof.